In vitro screening batteries for neurotoxicants

The need to develop, validate and utilize in vitro models to test chemicals for neurotoxic potential is widely appreciated. This lecture discusses the major advantages of using cell and tissue culture, the various in vitro models amenable for neurotoxicity studies, and the distinction between mechanistic and screening models. Considerations for designing screening batteries to evaluate neurotoxicants are discussed. Topics such as choice of appropriate cell models and endpoints (i.e., cytotoxic and neurotoxic), and technical considerations in the design of the battery are also presented.